WPL contract in the bag, Simran now wants to meet Virat Kohli

When Gujarat Giants broke the bank and spent INR 1.9 crore to procure the services of Simran Shaikh, the 22-year old shot to international fame.

During the WPL 2025 auction, a bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants ensued and the latter eventually prevailed.

For the past two years, the Women’s Premier League has been doing the same for girls who live and breathe cricket.

And the latest entrant to that list is Mumbai’s Simran Shaikh.

The audacity to play cricket

Imagine sustaining a cricketing dream while growing up in Asia’s largest slum, along with 10 other family members in a ramshackle home!

That’s exactly what 22-year-old Simran did all her life.

Hailing from an orthodox Muslim family, the youngster was the constant target of neighbours passing derogatory comments at the young girl who seemingly ‘had the audacity’ to play cricket alongside boys.

But her father Jahid Ali, who works as an electrician, never paid heed to the snarky remarks, choosing instead to trust his daughter’s innate talent with the bat.

And Simran delivered!

With Gujarat Giants picking her for a whopping INR 1.9 crore, she became the second-highest paid uncapped player in the league after Kashvee Gautam, who went for Rs 2 crore to Gujarat last year.

However, Simran has her task cut out, more so because there wasn’t much to write home about her performances in the WPL the last time she was around.

In the inaugural 2023 edition, she was bought by the UP Warriorz for her base price of Rs.10 lakh, and she eventually went on to score a mere 29 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of just 60.

In fact, she even failed to find a team in last year’s edition.

But it was her big hitting and form at the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and the recent T20 Challenger Trophy that brought her back in contention.

Gujarat head coach Michael Klinger also confirmed that she popped up on their radar due to her performances in local competitions, and her ability to go big when batting at number 6 and 7.

For Simran, her goals and aspirations are crystal clear.

Meeting Virat Kohli

Donning the national colours is of huge significance for the youngster.

“My dream is to meet Virat Kohli. I just want an India jersey, and that’s why I’m putting in all this effort,” she said to ANI.

She also thanked the Gujarat Giants for their trust and acknowledged her responsibility to perform.

“After receiving such a huge amount, it’s now my responsibility to deliver for the team. I also thank my parents, who supported me despite the challenges,” she added.

She further expressed her gratitude towards her parents.

"I thank mom and dad who has been supportive and given me all the freedom," said Simran, while adding that she always wanted to do something big.

With the third edition fast approaching, all eyes will now be on her.

And with all of Dharavi now chanting her name, sky is the limit for the youngster who has once again proven that - with hard work, dreams can come true.